Symbiont recognition and subsequent morphogenesis as early events in an animal-bacterial mutualism
MJ McFall-Ngai, EG Ruby Dec 6 1991 Science Magazine 254(5037):1491-1494
This Science Magazine scholarly article explores the bacterial colonization of the developing light organ of the squid Euprymna scolopes. Results show that the colonization is highly specific, with the establishment of a successful association resulting only when the juvenile host is exposed to seawater containing one of a subset of Vibrio fischeri strains. Before a symbiotic infection, the organ has elaborate epithelial structures covered with cilia and microvilli that are involved in the transfer of bacteria to the incipient symbiotic tissue. These structures regressed within days following infection; however, they were retained in uninfected animals, suggesting that the initiation of symbiosis influences, and is perhaps a prerequisite for, the normal developmental program of the juvenile host. This article is available online via a subscription to AAASMember.org.
